Marco Finanzio
Founder & Managing Director

Marco is the founder of each of the current venues and a pioneer of reactivating the historical Thornbury High Street.  He is also a co-founder of the Melbourne Salami Festa. 

Marco has travelled the world extensively, having also lived in Italy, worked in London and volunteered in Costa Rica. After spending 10 years in the finance world, he decided to return to his true love of hospitality with vital experience and clear direction.

Marco is passionate about providing genuine hospitality and creating environments that bring people together sharing good food and booze.

Carla Barbieri
Marketing & Community

Carla has lived the journey of the Umberto Group since its inception in 2010.  Her experience in the not for profit sector coupled with her Bachelor of Education makes Carla the perfect leader of our community initiative Programma Comunità.

Carla also heads up the marketing department in her spare time!

Olivia Fenwick
Group Functions & Admin Manager

With a background in hospitality management, including time at STREAT Café at Queen Victoria Market and Red Door Corner Store in Northcote, Olivia brings plenty of experience and a love of people to the Umberto team.

For Olivia, it’s the variety, the people and the buzz of a busy venue that make hospitality so rewarding. No two days are ever the same, and that’s exactly how she likes it.

Her go-to order? An Aperol Spritz and spaghetti aglio e olio (hold the anchovies, please).

Taleah Papandriopoulos
Assistant Venue Manager - Umberto

After working in a few cafés in Brisbane, Taleah made the move to Melbourne and found her way to Umberto. Five years on, we've loved watching her grow in confidence and become an integral part of the team.

For Taleah, hospitality is all about the people. She loves creating memorable experiences and making sure everyone has a great time. She also loves that there's always something new to learn, whether it's shaking up cocktails or mastering the art of Melbourne coffee.

Her go-to order? An Amaretto Sour and ragù di agnello.

Kyle Perkins
Venue Manager - Umberto Espresso Bar

With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Kyle built a wealth of knowledge and ability through working in neighbourhood fish and chip shops as a teenager, to running his first local pub in Sydney at the age of 19. He developed skills through progression in any and every kind of venue he could get into until he found his passion in cocktail bars.

Kyle has grown into the role of VM and his love of booze continues with cocktail development for both Umberto Espresso Bar and Gigi Rooftop.

Tammy Ferraro
Group Accounts & Office Manager

Tammy began her accounting career in the corporate world with roles at AAMI and Blockbuster Music, gaining a strong foundation in finance and administration. She then spent a decade at Autobarn, where she met her husband!

After starting a family, Tammy transitioned into part-time bookkeeping roles, finding a better work/life balance while continuing to do what she loves. Passionate about supporting small businesses, Tammy thrives on helping clients streamline their processes to reach their financial goals.